another day and tension continues in the middle east
BLUF: More posturing and chess piece maneuvering. Current trend suggests that things may remain at a simmer until the USS Truman task force can arrive on scene. Unless something unexpected happens, expect relatively ‘calm’ weekend.
Speaking of the Truman - Left port on the 11th with 5 support ship. It is suspected that it will link up with four other surface vessels plus two boomers equipped with cruse missiles - a 12 vessel unit. Add to this French and UK units. Approximate date on station - April 20th
Russian commentators are reported to have remarked that their flotilla of 11 ships would not last long if they were to engage the US fleet.
WATCH THE UNDERCARD - Israel and Iran have kept up a series of volatile warnings. While it is rumored that Russia has tried to get Israel to simmer down towards Iranian forces in Syria, Iran has kept the rhetoric up. Israel’s strike on T4 last Sunday displayed that the Russians are not up to speed to defend against Israeli countermeasures.
Other Chess pieces:
Observers noted an unusually high number of air tanker sortes in the Med/European area
Observers also noted a significant increase in intelligence recon flights off the coast of Syria.
Early morning in syria
BLUF - chess pieces continue to be adjusted. Don’t expect anything significant this weekend. Targeting appears to be towards infrastructure, not troops/equipment. This requires a more sustained campaign and a LOT more planning/coordination
Navy saying USS Truman deployment scheduled before the crisis.
Iraq allegedly refuses to let either side use its airspace/bases
Russian heavy bombers reportedly staging closer to the region.